Four charged over theft of huge gun haul

FOUR men from Thurrock have been charged in connection with the theft of firearms from a lorry in Basildon.

They were among a total of 10 people who were arrested after £100,000 worth of shotguns and rifles were stolen from a vehicle parked at Burnt Mills Industrial Estate at about 1am on Friday, April 18.

Ryan Heapy 24, of Hobart Road, Tilbury, Daniel Harris 33 and Matthew Wells, 28 both of Godman Road, Chadwell St Mary and Ashley Henry 27 of no fixed address, are all charged with conspiring to steal from a motor vehicle and conspiracy to possess a firearm without a certificate.

They were remanded in custody to appear at Basildon Magistrates’ Court today, Friday May 2.

Six other people arrested in connection with the investigation have been bailed pending further enquiries.

Senior Investigating Officer, Temporary Detective Superintendent Keith Davies from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: "We would like to thank the community for their assistance while house-to-house enquiries were carried out at Chadwell St Mary yesterday.

"However a number of firearms remain outstanding and investigators would like to hear from anyone with information about their whereabouts."

Enquiries are continuing and anyone with information should contact Essex Police on 101.

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